Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 9 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 8, click here!
In case you missed Day 7, click here!
In case you missed Day 6, click here!
In case you missed Day 5, click here!
In case you missed Day 4, click here!
In case you missed Day 3, click here!
In case you missed Day 2, click here!
In case you missed Day 1, click here!
I’ve always loved the concept of Advent Calendars. There’s something special and magical about those little treats hidden behind those little doors – and the idea of a secret little something to be unwrapped every day really is a wonderful way to build the excitement towards Christmas, not to mention a fun tradition as well!
As the years roll by some of these types of tradition can be lost when we grow up, and it seems a real shame to lose some of that magic and wonder. And really there’s no reason at all why something such as an Advent Calendar can’t be revamped and repackaged for grown-ups, crafty grown-ups… grown-ups like you and me!
So one day in November last year I dreamed up a fun idea for a event. I didn’t know if it would work, or if anyone would be interested. I approached some crafty friends, and others recruited themselves – everyone loved the idea! Behind the scenes I worked hard to put together something rather different and very special. After much organising, coordinating and planning, I’m really thrilled to finally bring to you a very special, very fun, very festive series! It was *hugely* popular, and so, by popular demand, I just had to bring it back again this year!
Eek! How fun does that sound?! 25 full days of surprises, inspiration and prizes!!
In case you’re wondering just how it’s going to work, here’s last year’s video (I’m afraid my filmmaker friend was unavailable to help in time for this year!) to explain it:
I’m so excited to be bringing you this event! I really hope you’re going to enjoy it as much as I am!!
Let’s get on with Day 9, shall we?!
I’ve got some of my very favourite designers lined up today to continue the fun! Just click on the door to reveal today’s surprise destinations and prize! Tip: you will need to do this from the blog itself, not from a feed reader or e-mail!
The door is a bit different this year (curse of moving over to WordPress!). So, now you’ve opened it, please use the image below to find your secret links! As you see, there aren’t any text links, but tap or click on all the decorations/presents in the image below and you will find your secret destinations! *wink*
Exciting right?! Isn’t it fun to not know what’s in store at the other end of those links?! Make sure you click each one to reveal the surprise and leave comments at the destinations to win!
And speaking of winning…
Today’s sponsor is Simon Says Stamp! One of my most favourite places to shop, Simon really are a one-stop shop for all your crafty goodness! Not only that but they also have their own line of products too – I particularly love their inks! They are headed up by my wonderful warm and kind friend Heidi – she is so awesome! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
Simon Says Stamp are generously sponsoring a $50 gift certificate to their store! With an amazing array of products you’re really going to be spoilt for choice spending it!
Now that you know what you can win, I’m sure you’re eager to head off to all those secret destinations to check them out! But before you go, some inspiration from me:
I fell head over heels for the stag image from the Magical Christmas set! I stamped him on Fog cardstock and fussy cut him out, and backed him onto a piece of Kraft cardstock stamped and heat embossed with the Barnwood Background stamp from Concord & 9th. I tore the bottom of it for a rustic look!
I actually created that tartan/plaid background! I used stamps and inks from the Catherine Pooler Foundations Box collection – I love how realistic it turned out!
I used dimensional glue gel to adhere my elements, I just love how this looks! You can also see just how gorgeous that new embossing powder is – it’s a stunningly beautiful rose gold!
I loved several of these elements so much that I created a feminine version too!
I used the Barnwood Background stamp for my entire base this time, heat embossing with white and then swiping white ink on the edges. The stag was heat embossed with another *gorgeous* WOW! embossing powder colour, and the rose gold made an appearance again for the sentiment banner!
So gorgeous!
And here they both are together, which is your favourite?
Don’t forget the Advent Calendar Extravaganza runs from 1st-25th December inclusive so make sure you visit taheerah-atchia.com every day for fabulous inspiration and amazing prizes every single time! Merry Christmas!
I hope you love this event just as much as I do! I would love to know what you think of Advent Calendar Extravaganza! Do you love the format? The secret destinations? The endless inspiration? I bet you certainly love the chance to win prizes! Please make sure you leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by – I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
Supplies
Rustic Plaid Reindeer Card
I LOOOVED this set when it first came out with SSS! SO MASCULINE! 😉
I love these cards!! The plaid that you have created is awesome!! Love it!
Both cards are eye catching, but the plaid is so my kind of card. Thanks for telling us how to do it.
Amazing cards! Loving this Advent calendar
OMG, you created that GORGEOUS background?!? AWESOME!! Thank you for the amazing samples you’ve shared!
These are both gorgeous, Taheerah, but I especially love the first one. That plaid you created is awesome and I love the torn edge!
So far these are my favorite cards. Love the design, the background and of course the deer! Thank you for sharing xoxo Carol W. workmanscraps(at)gmail(dot)com
as a novice woodworker, i love anything with wood grain! the tear at the bottom of the first piece is such a nice touch. you really think of everything!
Stunning cards. I like the masculine touch they have
Love the rustic feel of these cards, Great inspiration!
Sammibug in Ohio
just when i think your cards can’t get any more STUNNING! these cards. right here. i only ever want to look at them! AMAZING!
Gorgeous cards! Love the barnwood background! ?
This is my favorite day so far. I really like the cards from rejoicing crafts and Simon says Stamp. Your cards are also lovely. I like that stamp.
I think I like the “male” card – due in part to the tartan background. I’m envious – I can’t seem to get my hand-stamped tartan to look anything close to that! Nice job.
Love both, but card 2 is my favorite!
Your cards are so lovely!
The reindeer is wonderful and I agree with all who admired the plaid, great job!
LOVE everything about these cards!
Great cards…but I love the plaid card the best! The rose gold embossing powder is stunning…just got it in the mail.
O my goodness!! Both of these cards are GORGEOUS!! I’m not sure which one I like more. That plaid background you created is beautiful and just dead on!! You never would have guessed it wasn’t designer paper had you not told us. But the white one is stunning too. Just amazing cards!!
Love the simplicity of your cards!!! Absolutely beautiful
Love the plaid background.
Your background is amazing! This stamp set is so special and you have created two stunning cards!
To me these are both guy cards. I really don’t like either, I’m sorry. One of my mom’s bosses who passed away about 5years ago used to hunt. He would have loved one of these cards, although pink probably wasn’t his color. If I have to pick one, I’ll say the pink one because I am a person who loves color so much!
I really like this deer, every time I see the deer head I want to use it in my cards 🙂
Both cards are fabulous! Love the sparkle and shimmer, too!
Love the card design especially since they are on the masculine side and it’s needed for the men in our lives. Love the backgrounds .
Love how you showed totally different looks from same stamp. I’m all about plaid right now so that really catches my eye. Thanks for the chance to win
All beautiful cards.
The plaid pattern is fabulous and the colours all go so well together on that card. Very festive.
Love your variations with the same supplies. Great masculine card with the plaid.
Taheerah both your cards are so beautiful!! I love the wood background stamp you used on the white card!! My favorite…. that’s such a difficult choice because they are both so pretty, but I’d say the red and brown one. The really love what you did with the deer on this one.
I love that deer head! It looks great on the red plaid paper. Wonderful card.
I am loving the plaid look this year so love the masculine version of the card. I love these bloghops because you see all the little touches that define the style or theme of the card. Your torn edge adds a masculine touch that is a great finishing touch.
I thought I liked the plaid one, but then I saw the 2nd one and liked that even more!
Love the background and especially the colors!!!
It’s hard to say which is my favorite–but I think it’s the plaid background by just a bit! Thanks again for putting together such a wonderful project!
Great cards. Love, love plaids!
Both cards are great! Love the deer stamp!
OMG Taheerah, that plaid background is so so amazing. I actually mistook it to be a patterned paper. Your cards are so awesome, as always!
Love Love Love.
That plaid!
Love that you did 2 versions using the same stamp…that WOW embossing powder looks amazing.
My favourite would have to be the simple and elegant 2nd one though your plaid background is pretty impressive!!!
Love your trendy cards.
I love the rustic style of both these cards! I’m really into the plaid trend so your first one makes me extra happy!
Love these awesome cards! Nice to see some masculine type cards & these are perfect. The plaid is my fave as I love plaid flannel shirts! 🙂
Great cards. Love the tartan background so pretty and the embossed dear is great!
I just bought a hardwood stamp! Fun card, seems like deer head are in right now.
Yay! You used PLAID! You also used woodgrain. I didn’t realize it was a stamp. I think I need to get that one. Well done.
Fabulous cards!
Your stag head and sentiment are so elegant on the barnwood card and a great contrast on the Bold plaid background.